English Translation

17 - 3 - that they are trying to exploit the attack to an anti-German agitation. Among other things, it is claimed in these circles that the Czechs in Brno were warned in time by the Allies and asked to enter the air shelter after the l5.ll. in case of an air alarm. It was only thanks to this fact that the attack had cost so few victims. Moreover, it is explained that Brno had not been bombed at all if it did not represent a base of the Germans. Despite this, it was clear that in the main only the German quarters of the city were bombed. Also ait other hrguienten tries to justify and excuse the attack on the residential districts of the city and the civilian population. Thus it is explained e.g. that the Anglo-Americans could not resist such attacks because of the total war operation of the Czechs. The quiet course of the 28.lo. and the proximity of the German State Sister in Brno are given equally if as reason of the bombing. About the Ürganisation after the air attack is spoken of by the population almost consistently only marginally. The closures and other measures had everywhere revealed unplannedness; the fire fighting had been completely inadequate and had been carried out before all things with inadequate means and equipment. The fact that long after the attack the trams were not put into operation and no precautions had been taken to overcome the traffic problems was strongly criticised. On the other hand, it was praised that, despite the severe damage to the railway stations and railway lines, the train traffic functioned relatively well after a short time. The fact that the attack on Brno was not mentioned in the military report the following day was very annoyed by the population, both German and Czech. It was often said that they had sent urgent news to their relatives and that they would not know what they were like about it. One could not see why the propaganda was supposed to conceal the bombing of Brno. - 4 -